Segment Information (Consolidated Earnings by Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Interest expense, net	$ (6,244)	$ (6,852)	$ (18,836)	$ (22,197)
Consolidated earnings before income taxes	50,855	38,052	128,817	105,360
Unallocated Corporate [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	(7,554)	(6,085)	(21,599)	(16,810)
Turbine Systems [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	46,067	35,934	123,151	100,363
Airframe Systems [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	5,512	2,852	4,535	10,237
Electrical Power Systems [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	3,241	3,072	13,437	15,254
Engine Systems [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	9,833	9,131	28,129	18,513
Total Segment Earnings [Member]
Segment earnings (loss)	$ 64,653	$ 50,989	$ 169,252	$ 144,367